The reason for selling his farm, which he has built up steadily over the years, is so he can generate the finance he needs to re-invest in his own business, O’Reilly Concrete, which manufactures pre-cast walls, floors, cattle slats and pre-stressed wall panels.

Having survived a very difficult period during Ireland’s economic crash, Barry now feels the business is in good shape and ready for growth, which will require significant capital investment.

History

ADVERTISEMENT

Barry was born and raised in Meath Hill, just outside Drumconrath, and his roots go deep in this part of the country, as does his love for the area.

“My father was the third son of a small farmer so he was left with no land,” says Barry. “This farm I have today was bought up over 40 years between me and my father.”

The 160-acre farm is all in one block with an extensive network of superb gravel roads running throughout the farm.

The land is laid out in a number of different sized fields, the largest being 20 acres. All fields are well fenced and maintained, with plenty of shelter from mature trees throughout the farm. Barry currently keeps a herd of 100 Saler cows and reckons that he has calved down at least 2,000 calves over the last 25 years. The original stock were bought in France in 1997, 17 pedigree cows all in calf. In the coming weeks, he plans to bring this entire herd to Kingscourt mart for sale. The farm has a number of excellent modern buildings with two new slatted sheds that have the capacity to house 120 head of cattle.

Landscape

The rolling landscape of north Meath makes for some fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. One field in particular, aptly named the Crop Mór, offers magnificent views of the sweeping landscape as far as Kingscourt in Co Cavan.

“I love this part of the country. I really think the hilly land in north Meath is the most beautiful part of the country, better than Cork or Kerry,” says Barry.

The deep connection Barry has with the farm is obvious when you drive through the fields and see the name of each field written on a sign at each gate. Fields called “The Slang” and “Maguire’s” give the farm real character.

A silage pit of 50 acres of first-cut silage sits freshly made in the yard.

“Just last week I made that pit,” says Barry. “Whoever buys the farm, that’s going to be the luck penny for them.”

Guided at a price of €7,000 to €8,000/acre and with the benefit of a SFP of €18,300 per annum, this excellent 160-acre farm will be offered for public auction on 17 July at 3pm in the Dun A Ri House Hotel, Co Cavan. The sale is being handled by Coonan Auctioneers, Celbridge.

Barry O’Reilly is also selling a further 46 acres of land located around three miles from his main farm. This separate parcel of land is for sale by public auction on 1 August in Barracks Pub, Meath Hill, and is being handled by MJ Martin auctioneers, Kingscourt.